Glastonbury-Rocky Hill Ferry's Opening Pushed Back 10 Days Due To Mechanical Issues

GLASTONBURY — — The good news is the ferry that carries riders across the Connecticut River between Glastonbury and Rocky Hill is getting an upgrade. The bad news is the ferry won't be ready to begin its 358th season until May 10.

The state Department of Transportation's seasonal service – scheduled to begin Wednesday – will start May 10, depending on the level of the Connecticut River. According to Charles Beck, DOT's transportation maritime manager, the tug "Cumberland" was participating in "sea trials" to test its new engine and upgrades to the electrical and cooling systems when it suffered "some gremlins."

"It's never easy," he said Monday afternoon. "Just when you think it is going smoothly, you take one step forward and two steps back."

Although Beck said the new engine and transmission "worked well," there were issues with the electrical control system and new parts needed to be ordered. He said the new engine will be more efficient, have cleaner emissions and will have a "positive effect on air quality." He said the new tug will also be quieter, as it plies the river with the barge known as "Hollister III" – the oldest continously operated ferry in the nation, dating to 1655.

"We hoped everything would be done before the upcoming season," Beck said. "But the parts didn't come in a timely fashion. But I am very confident we will be ready for May 10."

Initially, the ferry service will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both weekdays and weekends because of a temporary staffing shortage. Beck said the regular weekday schedule – 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. – is expected to begin by July 1. Operations will end Oct. 31.

On Friday, the state bond commission released $300,000 for a new ferry office building. The funds will complement $788,724 in federal funds for the construction of a small, New England-style building that will include offices, a repair workshop, restrooms and public seating. Construction is expected to start in the summer.

The DOT is seeking to increase ferry auto fares from the current $3 per crossing to $6 per crossing, and fares for walk-on passengers and bicyclists from $1 per crossing to $2 per crossing. Fares have not increased since 2003. Public hearings will be held in early May on the proposed increases.

"The public is going to see a return on the investment that they're making in the slightly increased fares that are necessary to preserve this historic ferry," state Sen. Steve Cassano said. "More importantly, I see this bonding as a symbol from the governor of his commitment to maintain this historic ferry for the long term."